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Is Unity Southeast Church for Blacks Only?
Posted by: Editor on Tue Dec 11 2007 Unity Southeast - the fullness of all color! The late Reverend Donn Nedd, Founder of the Brooklyn Truth Center for Better Living, in New York, once stated, "You will know the Truth and it will startle you."If you are shocked or startled by the question that this article raises -- don't be! Sometimes, it's important to raise the question that many people are thinking. And I know that people have been thinking it, because since I have come to Unity Southeast Church, I have heard it referred to repeatedly as, "The Black Unity Church." Yes, it is a fact that Unity Southeast Church is a "historically" African American congregation. That is, it was founded, led, and attended by mostly African American people. I believe this is part of what makes Unity Southeast unique. This church offers a unique perspective and experience within the diversity that makes up the "Unity Diaspora." However, I feel it important to point out here that if you are of another ethnicity or are from another cultural background and are concerned as to whether or not you are welcome here-- by all means you are! After all, is that not what we teach -- oneness with all people? Actually, as the Senior Minister, I like the opportunity to interact, teach, and influence through the message, the lives of people of all backgrounds. In fact, I wouldn't have it any other way. This is what the kingdom of God is to me is like. I also believe Jesus would agree. Now, a word about "Blackness". What is blackness and why is there such a poor understanding and misinterpretation of it? Blackness is first and foremost a color. However, the beauty of it is that, by definition it is the "FULLNESS" of color. When you combine all colors (including white) together, you arrive at blackness. Likewise, you may also derive all colors of the spectrum from blackness. Dear reader, whatever has led to you read these words today, know that they are intended to expand your awareness beyond the trappings of race, color, ethnicity, and gender. My intention with sharing these words is for the reader to come to a full appreciation of each unique expression of God. Remember, when God chose to express, God chose to express in various colors, through various ethnicities, through various cultures and in all people. And at Unity Southeast Church, all expressions of God can come home to find the only thing that we have to offer you -- unconditional love and acceptance. So, if you were concerned that Unity Southeast Church is a Black Only experience, rest assured - we are a celebration happening for people on the path willing to be themselves and let others do the same. We are a unique way that love is breaking out in Kansas City. We are a community that champions diversity, affirms individuality, discourages prejudice of any kind, supports community awareness, respects honesty, and worships in Spirit and in truth. As the old song says, "Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in God's sight." You are also precious in our sight! So, if you are Black hoping to keep Unity Southeast an exclusive club or if you're White or in-between staying away because you're not sure if you'll fit in -- get over your hang ups and bring yourself to church, bring yourself to love, bring yourself to Unity Southeast Church -- the Fullness of all Color! Peace and Love, Rev. Kevin Kitrell Ross Senior Minister www.unitysoutheast.org
It looks like you are not afraid to meet a subject headon.
This church has one of the warmest, most loving congregations in the city. It is taking on a new life. It is no longer a secret!  Dear Rev Kev, Yes, it's our responsibility to call things by their right name and disallow any form of mediocrity to hide in the shadows. Bringing things into the light of day, allows for clairty, understanding, and healing. Thanks for the acknowledgement. Unity Southeast is God's idea unfolding before our very eyes! Let's enjoy the experience.
One People It is generally agreed that the most segregated hour in America is 11 AM Sunday morning. We can also agree that we live in one Universe, one planet; under one God. We recognize that we, the human family, are one people, inhabitants of planet earth. We know that in spite of a vast array of cultural and ethnic differences we share more commonalities than dissimilarities; one people, one heart, one love! If there was ever a time to appreciate our diversity and to rejoice and celebrate its power that time is now! Unity Southeast Church recognizes that we are that we are one people, one community, one planet, one Universe working in harmony to the glory of one God!
The Alumni Society of Berea College in Berea, Kentucky puts it rather succintly. God made of one blood all peoples of the earth.
Each day when I turn on the news there are young people and not so young people killing each other.
As a young man what do you think it would take for them to value each other and themselves enough to change? Fighting Elephants While it is unfortunate that we are living in times where we are witnessing the deterioration of self respect among our youth, which leads to senseless violence, I do believe there are some tried and true solutions to these challenges.
First, it is important that people simply overcome their fear of this generation and find ways to reach out to them on a person to person basis. Extending love and interest is a simple, yet underrated thing. This could look like, sitting down and learning about a teen's interests, their stories, playing their video games. Rather than criticizing their attire, learning about the latest styles that have them dressing the way that they do. Anything or anyone that we demonize, we concretize. That is, we find ways to combat, resist, and ignore, rather than discover, embrace, and include. Violence among young people is the direct result of the lack of self knowledge, self love, and a true appreciation of the consequences of their actions. My wife and I have developed a program for teens, caleed Teen Dream Camp that addresses these issues head on. We believe that we teens are awakended early to the dreams in their hearts, affirmed by loving, caring, and understanding adults, and provided with the structure and nurture, they take quantum leaps toward realizing their Divine Potential. Anything unlike the purpose that is unleased is repelled from them and they move forward to become positive, constructive, contributing members of society. My wife and I have found that the collective consciousness of negativity and fear that surrounds teens contribute to the very challenge that we are faced with addressing. Additionally, unhealed adults who transfer both their stress, passive violence, and abuse are a major contributing factor to the youth violence challenge today. Someone once said, "Hurt people, hurt (other) people." Said another way by an African proverb, "It's the grass that gets hurt when elephants fight." As we learn to heal ourselves and come to a true understanding of who and what we are, we will model, transfer, and moreover promote these ways of being fearlessly and lovingly to the next generation. After all, isn't advice-giving what we're great at? Glad to know that this is on our minds. My prayer is that we not just talk the talk, let's walk the walk. As Jesus reminded us, if we don't become like little children ourselves, then not even the most pious among us will enter the kingdom or not the one we were hoping for. Fighting Elephants While it is unfortunate that we are living in times where we are witnessing the deterioration of self respect among our youth, which leads to senseless violence, I do believe there are some tried and true solutions to these challenges.
First, it is important that people simply overcome their fear of this generation and find ways to reach out to them on a person to person basis. Extending love and interest is a simple, yet underrated thing. This could look like, sitting down and learning about a teen's interests, their stories, playing their video games. Rather than criticizing their attire, learning about the latest styles that have them dressing the way that they do. Anything or anyone that we demonize, we concretize. That is, we find ways to combat, resist, and ignore, rather than discover, embrace, and include. Violence among young people is the direct result of the lack of self knowledge, self love, and a true appreciation of the consequences of their actions. My wife and I have developed a program for teens, caleed Teen Dream Camp that addresses these issues head on. We believe that we teens are awakended early to the dreams in their hearts, affirmed by loving, caring, and understanding adults, and provided with the structure and nurture, they take quantum leaps toward realizing their Divine Potential. Anything unlike the purpose that is unleased is repelled from them and they move forward to become positive, constructive, contributing members of society. My wife and I have found that the collective consciousness of negativity and fear that surrounds teens contribute to the very challenge that we are faced with addressing. Additionally, unhealed adults who transfer both their stress, passive violence, and abuse are a major contributing factor to the youth violence challenge today. Someone once said, "Hurt people, hurt (other) people." Said another way by an African proverb, "It's the grass that gets hurt when elephants fight." As we learn to heal ourselves and come to a true understanding of who and what we are, we will model, transfer, and moreover promote these ways of being fearlessly and lovingly to the next generation. After all, isn't advice-giving what we're great at? Glad to know that this is on our minds. My prayer is that we not just talk the talk, let's walk the walk. As Jesus reminded us, if we don't become like little children ourselves, then not even the most pious among us will enter the kingdom or not the one we were hoping for. This is the answer I have been waiting for. You are slender in person but your thoughts encompass an incredible capacity.
Our life experiences are different but I think we come together at the point of the Dream..."I have a dream that.(No) little children should be judged by the color of their skin... that each one should have the time to think..I would like to do that..Wonder If I could do that? Maybe I can do that. I believe I can. I will. And know that it's the Truth.
On Becoming A Minister Hi Kev,
I love on-line discussion you are having with your members and also with those that you might eventually bing to God. It's a pleasure to read some good news. It doesn't come easy these days. You have some great ideas and you always manage to make them work for the good of everyone who is willing to take on the challenge you present at the time. God is always going to bless you and Anita as long as you continue to put Him first in your lives. I hope that you accomplish everything you set out to accomplish as long as you remember Whose you are first and also whose you are in the second place also. Keep up the good work and remember to take some time out to be Good to yourself also. Keep praying so that you'll always have a new Word from God to share with the people. They deserve some good news too, no matter how hard it might be to swallow. Love Ya, Ma Dear Mom,
It's so great to see you here on the site, joining in on the dialogue. As you can see, our spiritual community is taking form. It's a beautiful thing to see the plan coming together. And yes, I appreciate the admonishment to take care of myself. I know I'll have to answer to you if I don't. Thanks for always being there, even when you're hundreds of miles away. Thanks for the wisdom and example that you have shown me and continue to show. Thanks for your prayers for Anita and I as we seek to bring forth God's vision at Unity Southeast Church. I love you! Your first born son, Kevin Kitrell Dearest Janice (Ma) Ross Thank you for bringing this incredible young man into our midst. Each time I open a new website of his I am awed and I wonder "what did you feed this fellow for breakfast?" I have a wonderful son the same age who hasn't spread his wings quite so far.
They are a wonderul generation of people who are able to live at an early age beyond our biggest dreams and I believe they will cut through any superficiality to bring the Dream of Peace to all of us. What do you think? Unity in the Knowing Heart Claudia and I joyfully found our photos on this website. We would very much like our names associated with our pictures. In our spirituality beliefs are mindfully manifest in practical life. We were married in the Islamic traditon in 2001, the Unity Christian tradition in 2002, and our marriage was recorded by the State in 2002. We thus enjoy three levels of wedded connection: Islamic Quranic (30.21-22); Christian Biblical, (Gen. 2.23-24; Prov. 31.10-17, and 1 Cor. 7.12-17).
Love, peace and happiness! Claudia and Taalib-ud-Din "Al" al-Ansare Unity in the Knowing Heart > Claudia and I joyfully found our photos on this website. We would very
> much like our names associated with our pictures. In our spirituality beliefs > are mindfully manifest in practical life. We were married in the Islamic > traditon in 2001, the Unity Christian tradition in 2002, and our marriage > was recorded by the State in 2002. We thus enjoy three levels of wedded > connection: Islamic Quranic (30.21-22); Christian Biblical, (Gen. 2.23-24; > Prov. 31.10-31, and 1 Cor. 7.12-17). Love, peace and happiness! Claudia > and Taalib-ud-Din "Al" al-Ansare Unity in the Knowing Heart Good Version/Best typing:
Claudia and I joyfully found our photos on this website. We would very much like our names associated with our pictures. In our spirituality beliefs are mindfully manifest in practical life. We were married in the Islamic tradition in 2001 and in the Unity Christian tradition in 2002. Our marriage was recorded by the State of Missouri in 2002. We thus enjoy three levels of wedded connections: Islamic Qur'anic (30.21-22); Christian Biblical (Gen. 2.23-24; Prov. 31.10-17; 1 Cor. 7.12-17); and Civil. We pray that others similarly have peace, love and happiness! Claudia and Taalib-ud-Din "Al" al-Ansare [No Subject] Love the Article! One thing about KKR is that he his "bold" in his loving and faith. Rev. Kev. should be an example for all of us in this.
Much love from Miami FL.
Kevin Mahdi
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